List of bicycle parts

Axle: as in the generic definition, a rod that serves to attach a wheel to a bicycle and provides support for bearings on which the wheel rotates. Also sometimes used to describe suspension components, for example a swing arm pivot axle

Bar ends: extensions at the end of straight handlebars to allow for multiple hand positions

Bottom bracket: The bearing system that the pedals (and cranks) rotate around. Contains a spindle to which the crankset is attached and the bearings themselves. There is a bearing surface on the spindle, and ones on the cups that thread into the frame. The bottom bracket may be overhaulable (an adjustable bottom bracket) or not overhaulable (a cartridge bottom bracket). The bottom bracket fits inside the bottom bracket shell, which is part of the bicycle frame

Brake: devices used to stop or slow down a bicycle. Rim brakes and disc brakes are operated by brake levers, which are mounted on the handlebars. Band brake is an alternative to rim brakes but can only be installed at the rear wheel. Coaster brakes are operated by pedaling backward

Derailleur: an assembly of levers, usually cable actuated, that moves the chain between sprockets on a cassette or chainring assembly

Down tube: tube on the bicycle frame that runs from the head tube to the bottom bracket

Dropout: a bicycle rear fork end that allows the rear wheel to be removed without first derailing the chain. The term dropout is often incorrectly used to refer to any fork end, but not all fork ends are dropouts

Dustcap: any cap serving to keep dirt and contamination out of an assembly. Common over crank bolts, often plastic

a hole through which a spoke nipple passes through the rim so it may attach to a spoke

Electronic Gear-Shifting System: not simply a type of shifter or a type of derailleur, a complete system with switches instead of levers, wires instead of Bowden cables, and motor-driven derailleurs that must all work together

Fairing: a full or partial covering for a bicycle to reduce aerodynamic drag or to protect the rider from the elements

Fender or mudguard: curved pieces of metal or plastic above the tires which catch and redirect road spray thrown up by the tires, allowing the rider to remain relatively clean. May come in pairs

Ferrule: a metal or plastic sleeve used to terminate the end of a cable housing

Fork: a mechanical assembly that integrates a bicycle's frame to its front wheel and handlebars, allowing steering by virtue of its steerer tube

Fork end: paired slots on a fork or frame at which the axle of the wheel is attached. See also Dropout

Frame: the mechanical core of a bicycle, the frame provides points of attachment for the various components that make up the machine. The term is variously construed, and can refer to the base section, always including the bottom bracket, or to base frame, fork, and suspension components such as a shock absorber

Freehub: a ratcheting assembly onto which a cog or cassette is mounted that allows the bicycle to coast without the pedals turning

Freewheel: a ratcheting assembly that incorporates one or more cogs and allows the bicycle to coast without the pedals turning

Gusset: plates added to the outsides of frame tubes to strengthen joints. These are more commonly seen on BMX and mountain bikes

Hanger: part of frame or an attachment to the frame to which the derailleur is attached (see Derailleur hanger)

Handlebar: a lever attached, usually using an intermediary stem, to the steerer tube of the fork. Allows steering and provides a point of attachment for controls and accessories

Handlebar plug: see Bar plugs

Handlebar tape: a tape wound around dropped handlebars so as to provide padding and grip, usually cork or cloth, sometimes foam rubber

Lockring: a ring, usually metal, of varying design, that serves to retain a component in place

Lug: a metal connector used to align frame components where they join each other

Luggage carrier: any accessory equipment designed to carry tools, gear or cargo

Master link: a bicycle chain accessory that allows convenient removal and reconnection of an installed bicycle chain without the need for a chain tool

Nipple: a specialized nut that most commonly attaches a spoke to a wheel rim. In some systems, it provides attachment to the hub

Pannier: cloth zippered storage bags that mount to sides of luggage racks. Pronounced pan-ear, or pan-yer (an old English word, not French)

Pedal: mechanical interface between foot and crank arm. There are two general types; one secures the foot with a mechanical clamp or cage and the other has no connection to lock the foot to the pedal

Peg: short metal tube, about 6 inches (15 cm) long and 2 inches (5.1 cm) fastened to one or both ends of the wheel axles to either enable the rider perform certain tricks or provide a place for extra riders to stand or rest

Portage strap: a strap (usually made of leather) attached to the inside of the bike frame, designed to make carrying the bike over one's shoulder easier

Quick release: a skewer with a lever on one end that loosens when the lever is flipped. Used for releasing wheels and seat posts

Rack: a rack that attaches behind the seat, usually with stays to the rear dropouts, that serves as a general carrier

Reflector: reflects light to make bicycle evident when the illuminated by headlights of other vehicles. Usually required by law but held in disdain by many cyclists

Removable training wheels: used for assisting balance. Comes in pair. Useful for first time bicyclists

Rim: that part of a wheel to which the tire is attached and often forms part of the braking mechanism

Rotor: a device that allows the handlebars and fork to revolve indefinitely without tangling the rear brake cable

Safety levers: extension levers, and interrupt brake levers. Used to apply brakes in order for the bicycle to slow down or suddenly stop

Shock absorber: for bicycles with suspensions, a device that limits the rate at which suspension rebounds after absorbing an impact

Side view mirror: aids in looking at the sides prior to moving slowly or turning to the left or to the right

Skirt guard or coatguard: a device fitted over the rear wheel of a bicycle to prevent a long skirt, coat or other trailing clothes or luggage from catching in the wheel, or in the gap between the rim and the brakes

Spindle: an axle around which a pedal rotates; threaded at one end to screw into crank arms

Spoke: connects wheel rim to hub. Usually wire with one end swaged to form a head and one threaded end. A typical wheel has 36 spokes

Steering tube: a tube on top of a fork that is inserted through frame and serves as an axle by means of which bicycle can be steered

Stem: a bracket used to attach handlebars to steerer tube of fork. Usually secured by pinch bolts

Tire: as in common usage. Usually pneumatic. A tubular tire is glued to the wheel rim; most tires use tubes, but tubeless tires and rims are increasingly common

Toe clips: a metal or plastic cage attached to a pedal. Usually has an adjustment strap. Secures foot to pedal for increased control and more effective transfer of power from foot to drive chain